voice.

[dashing]

Good morrow, Riftwatch.

( Now, there’s a voice that hasn’t been on the crystals for a time. Years, in fact. The Starkhaven accent is strong as ever, and yet— some more nebulous quality has shifted. What was once careful and controlled, turned to diplomacy through practice, has turned to uniform flatness. Every word placid, every syllable even. )

My name is Herian Amsel. If we were previously acquainted then the possibility that word of my return has reached you already, and were circumstances suited to it, I would offer apology for being so withdrawn.

For those unfamiliar with me, or who have not become familiar with the details of my return, there are elements best not left unspoken.

You may notice differences in my speech and manner. This stems from the Rite of Tranquility, enacted by radicals acting outside the approval of the Chantry and Inquisition. Indeed, the attack was an attack against the Chantry and Inquisition, both.

I remember well the passion and fire of so many in Riftwatch; I share this news not to stoke those fires. These are matter that require thorough investigation. Rather,I speak to be transparent that this state is not one freely chosen, and such a revelation is an unkind one to inflict on others in the midst of other work. A good many find the Tranquil unsettling even before considering the context of how the Rite came to pass.

My presence hence is to serve Riftwatch, and if my presence disturbs you, please do not hesitate in letting it be known. I would sooner remove myself to another part of the keep to do my work, than some disconcerting quality to my aspect interfere with your work, or my circumstances evoking painful memories. One reason I have remained withdrawn was my own contemplations on potential negative impact my return in this state could alert.

Presently I have been assisting Doctor Strange, and learning of medical practices. If any could be troubled to lend assistance through procurement of clay, that would be most beneficial.

If you have questions you win to ask, I will endeavour to answer.

Comments

[dashing]

In practical terms, I am less capable than I once was, beyond the loss of my magic. While I can take up the sword and remember drills and training, and loss of emotional control hinders one's ability in battle, the is something amiss. Rather than control, there is a void.

You knew me not before, unless my memory has faltered. I was oft considered detached, or without sentiment. In truth, some emotions burned too fiercely, so much that more than once I did harm to myself and those dear to me. I invested much time, these years past, in reckoning with that and better managing all that which has been so destructive in years past, but it is a path without fixed end.

In Tranquility the struggles are rendered null. Insight and reflection are possible, and have the clarity that comes without emotion. Knowing how great a challenge that could be, previously, it is beneficial that the process is simplified, however, without that effort any growth inhibited. Things can be acknowledged or cross our awareness long before we grow and internalise them. I have come to realise this is an incomplete form of myself. The Tranquil have limited potential to become more than they are. It is a statis; not inherently a negative, however, I am aware that I am an incomplete form of myself.

( Its the sort of thing that could evoke some kind of emotional, even subtly. Instead, there is a perfect, consistent placidity. )

Speaking so transparently causes no concern. I can elaborate, if you wish.

[succise]

(Because Herian has told her something interesting, there, right at the end Vega decides she won't draw attention to the unnecessary personal information, or say that she doesn't care to know what Herian was like 'before'. A reward, of sorts.

The way she responds quickly implies that even if speaking transparently caused concern, she would still ask for more.)

Yes, please.

How does being disconnected from the Fade feel?

love reading past tags to refresh and finding your own words incoherent 8|

[dashing]

Have you ever been so cold that your limbs are beyond your command or sensation?

The tag life...

[succise]

No.

[dashing]

I do not know how best to explain. It is a disconnection from that which granted me those insights. As a blindfold inhibits sight, Tranquility blinds entire parts of me.

[succise]

That's awful. Do you hate it?

[dashing]

You need to feel in order to hate. I simply am.

[succise]

(A shudder.)

I see. So, what will you do now? Continue as you are, like this, until the end?

[dashing]

There are means for Tranquility to be undone. I had assessed it as a poor use of resources, but others raised counter points for consideration. Should the end come before it can be undone or after, it will not change that all life will be departed. For now I am alive.

[succise]

Alive and with no goals that you care about enough to work toward?

I would undo the Tranquility.